It can often feel as though there are so many destinations to choose from when you’re going travelling that it can be pretty overwhelming. This is part of the reason why a lot of people end up finding a place that they like and going back year after year. Sure, there’s something to be said for this. After all, there are always new things to discover, even in a familiar place. Not only that but it can also be nice being somewhere comfortable and familiar. However, part of the joy of travelling is the fact that it allows you to spend your time in new places and discover new things. Because of that, trying new places can be a real joy. One of the places that a lot of travellers tend to ignore is Turkey. That’s a real shame because Turkey is one of the most exciting and dynamic places in the world. With that in mind, here are eight reasons why Turkey should most definitely be your next travel destination.
The food
The first thing that a lot of people notice when they touch down in Turkey is just how incredible so much of the food looks and smells. Those who are used to bland western food are in for a serious revelation. With influences ranging from Europe to Asia to the Middle East, the food in turkey is some of the most flavourful and exciting in the world. From soups to shwarma, there really is no end to the amazing variety that you’re guaranteed to find in the various vendors and restaurants all over the country.
The people
One mistake that a lot of travellers make is that they fail to get to know the local people of the place that they’re visiting. Instead, they stick together in their neat little tourist bubble. However, if you do that in turkey then you’re really missing out. Turkey has some of the friendliest, most welcoming locals in the world. Don’t be surprised if you meet someone in the morning and you feel like old friends before it’s even lunchtime! Westerners might be used to treating strangers with suspicion but people in Turkey are warm and friendly in a way that few other places in the world can match!
The value
Let’s face it, there are few things that can cause more problems when you’re trying to enjoy a trip than worrying about money. Travelling is expensive, that’s just the way things are. However, one of the wonderful things about turkey is just how much value you can get out of it. From the cheap flights to the incredibly good value on everything from food to accommodation to souvenirs, Turkey is one of best value destinations out there. This means that you can have yourself an amazing luxury trip, even if you don’t have the kind of budget that would normally allow for that kind of travel.
The history
If you want to get out of the bustling cities then there are some truly amazing ruins in Turkey that are a must-see for any discerning traveller. Things like the Ruins Of Ani, located on the eastern side of the country, near to the Armenian border, are a wonderful slice of peace for anyone who wants to get away from all of the noise. They’re amazingly well preserved and the countryside around them is simply stunning. Turkey is filled with the kind of well-preserved history that can make any trip the kind of experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Istanbul
If you only visit one place in all of Turkey then you should make sure that it’s Istanbul. With the largest population of any city in the country, Istanbul really is the heart of Turkey, and with good reason. It can often feel like a microcosm of the country as a whole. It’s the kind of place where you can find all of the best food, culture, shopping, and people all in one place. It’s also pretty easy to get lost so having a tour guide in Istanbul is often pretty important. Sure, getting around the whole country is the best way to experience turkey, but if you only have the chance to visit one place, make sure that it’s Istanbul.
The natural beauty
Of course, the wonderful things about Turkey aren’t just those made by people. The truth is that if you want to get away from the cities then Turkey still has a whole lot to offer you. The landscapes around places like Cappadocia are genuinely breathtaking and they are just one example. The whole country is filled with different natural wonders that are pretty much guaranteed to leave you speechless with their sheer beauty.
The shopping
Of course, no trip would be complete without at least a couple of souvenirs to bring home with you. Luckily, Turkey has some of the best bazaars in the world. If you’re looking for something handmade and high quality instead of the typical stuff that you find in tourist traps, Turkey has you covered. You’re likely to find something wonderful that you can take home and treasure for the rest of your life.
The beaches
What’s a vacation without getting to spend some time at the beach? Luckily for you, Turkey has beaches that can compete with some of the best in the world. Being able to sit back and relax as you stare out at that Mediterranean sea with an ice cold drink in your hand has to be one of the very best ways to spend any trip, no matter who you are.
The wonderful thing about Turkey is that this list doesn’t even scratch the surface of all of the things that it has to offer. The truth is that there is so much to see and discover in turkey that you could go back again and again for years and never even come to close to experiencing everything that this amazing country has available to you.
This is a collaboration post